Cookie policy
1) Preamble
This Cookie Policy (hereinafter the “Policy”) explains what cookies are, how and why they are used on the websites, as well as mobile and software applications (collectively referred to as the “Sites”) of EXFO Inc. and its affiliates (hereinafter “EXFO”), as well as the options available to you regarding the collection of information through cookies (hereinafter “cookies”) and their use.
Provided that you accept them when accessing EXFO Sites, cookies are deposited on your terminal (e.g. computer, mobile device). These cookies are used to improve your browsing experience on the Sites and their content.
At EXFO, we want to be open and transparent about how we use cookies and what that means to you. Some of the cookies we use are essential to the proper functioning of our Sites, while there are also cookies that you can disable or block.
We strive to provide you with sufficient information about the cookies we use so that you can make an informed choice about the information you share with us.
2) What is a cookie?
A cookie is a small file stored on your computer or mobile device. It has a unique identifier assigned to your device and allows the Sites to remember your actions and preferences (such as location, language, font size and other display preferences) over a period of time. This way, you do not have to keep re‑entering information each time you return to the site or navigate from one page to another. Cookies can also help you personalize your browsing experience.
Not all cookies contain personal information, but where they do, we will treat such personal information in accordance with the privacy rules described in our privacy notice. We also treat cookie information as personal information when it is associated with your account or other contact information.
3) Types of cookies
There are two main categories of cookies: persistent cookies and session cookies. Persistent cookies remain on your device until they are manually or automatically deleted. Session cookies remain on your device until you close your browser, at which point they are automatically deleted.
4) Why do we use cookies?
In general, there are several reasons why we may use cookies:
- Cookies that are strictly necessary for the operation of the Sites and to enable you to use the services we provide;
- Cookies that collect data relating to the use of the Sites and their performance. We use this information to improve our online products and services;
- Cookies we use to personalize and optimize your experience on the Sites. These cookies store information about your choices, such as text size, language and screen resolution;
- Cookies placed by third parties for enhanced services (such as social media cookies) or advertising purposes.
Please see below for more information on the types of cookies we use.
5) Strictly necessary cookies
These cookies are necessary for the operation of the website and cannot be deactivated in our systems. They are generally only defined in response to actions on your part that are equivalent to a service request, such as setting your privacy preferences, logging in or filling in forms. You can set your browser to block or notify you of cookies, but some parts of the site may not function. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable information.
You can find a complete list of the Sites’ cookies below.
6) Function indicators
These cookies enable the Sites to provide enhanced functionality and personalization. They may be set by us or by third-party providers whose services have been added to our pages. If you do not allow these cookies, some or all of these services may not function properly. These cookies do not store personally identifiable information.
You can find a complete list of the Sites’ cookies below.
7) Performance indicators
These cookies help us measure traffic patterns to determine which areas of our Sites have been visited. We use it to research visitors’ habits in order to improve our online products and services. We may log IP addresses (i.e. the electronic addresses of computers connected to the Internet) to analyze trends, administer the Sites, track users’ movements and gather broad demographic information.
These cookies are not essential to the operation of the Sites, and we will always ask for your consent before placing these cookies. You may withdraw your consent at any time. See more information in section 9 (Your preferences) below.
You can find a complete list of the Sites’ cookies below.
8) Third-party cookies and marketing
These are cookies placed on the Sites by third parties on our behalf. These cookies enable us to generate personalized advertisements on other websites, which are based on information about you such as the pages you viewed on our website. Our Sites may also set cookies for third-party services such as social media.
We do not provide any personal information to third parties who set cookies on our Sites. However, third parties may assume that users who interact with or click on a personalized advertisement or content displayed on our Sites are part of a group to which the advertisement or content is directed. We have no access to or control over cookies or other features that advertisers and third-party sites may use. The information practices of these third parties are not covered by our privacy or cookie policies. Please contact them directly for more information about their privacy practices.
These cookies are not essential to the operation of the Sites and we will always ask for your consent before placing cookies. You may withdraw your consent at any time. See more information below in section 9 (Your preferences) below.
You can find a complete list of the Sites’ cookies below.
9) Your preferences
It is possible to restrict or block cookies or even delete cookies that have already been placed on your terminal. If you do so, you may not be able to access certain parts of the Sites and we may assume that you have never visited the Sites before, so we will show you the cookie banner again and ask for your consent to set cookies.
Our Sites have a tool to help you manage cookies. This tool takes the form of a “We use cookies” banner that appears at the bottom of your screen when you access our Sites.
You can also restrict or block cookies by modifying your browser settings.
10) How to manage the cookies collected?
We recommend that you accept cookies in order to benefit from the various features of our Sites. Blocking certain cookies may affect the user experience.
If you do not agree with the use of cookies, here are your options:
- You can delete cookies manually after visiting our Sites;
- You can activate your browser’s private mode;
- You can activate your browser’s security settings to block all or certain cookies (in accordance with section 9 Your preferences above).
11) Modification of the policy
EXFO reserves the right to change this Policy to reflect technological developments and changes that may affect the use of cookies.
12) How to contact us
If you have any questions, comments or complaints about cookies or this policy, please contact us at data.privacy@exfo.com or by mail:
To the attention of: Data Protection Committee
EXFO Inc.,
400 Avenue Godin, Quebec, QC G1M 2K2 Canada